If you have an expensive and old vehicle, perhaps a well-loved classic car that you are restoring, you want to take certain steps to ensure its proper care and maintenance. First, you should consider where you are storing the car. Is it in a weather-proof and pest-proof garage? Secondly, consider using the help of professionals when restoring your old classic car, as it is a long, delicate process that requires deep knowledge and high-skilled work. Finally, regularly maintain your car, check its fluids, and use a mechanic service when you cannot identify the problems yourself, such as when the check engine light comes on. With these three simple top tips for proper car care, you can get the most out of your awesome automobile.
Proper Storage
When storing an expensive, delicate, old classic car it is vital that you keep it safe from dampness, mold, pests, and other harsh conditions. You should store your car in a garage that is flood-resistant, has any gaps filled with wire wool to deter mice, and ideally is made of brick or wood. A precast concrete unit may cause problems for your car with high-condensation risks. However, you can combat this by using a big inflatable plastic tent with fans inside to keep the air moving around your car.
A top tip if your car is stored in a secure, locked garage, is to leave the windows of the car slightly open to avoid air going stale inside. If you are unable to store your car in a dry, stable environment due to a lack of resources or availability, it is best to ensure the car has a full tank of fuel as this reduces the space for water to condense. Condensation can damage the engine.
Classic Car Restoration
If you have just survived the lengthy process of buying a classic car, you will be thinking now about restoring her to her former glory. There are several steps to classic car restoration, and you could definitely benefit from the help of experts. You can find a classic car restoration shop near you and consult with them about the best way to move forward with the restoration. The process will take time and money, but the end result will be breathtaking.
If you want to totally strip the interior, replace wiring, strip the paint, remove window glass, upgrade the engine, and re-wire and paint your classic car, the more help you get from professionals the better. This is no easy task, and your car is your pride and joy, so you want to ensure a smooth, knowledgeable, and well-managed process.
Regular Maintenance
Inspect and maintain your tires, and check regularly that tire pressure is at the recommended level, which should be indicated in your car’s manual, or on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. You should also rotate your tires every 5,000 – 10,000 miles to prevent flat tires.
Check your car’s oil each month and change it as directed by the manual. This will keep your engine running smoothly. If you prefer to change the oil yourself, rather than using a service, remember to learn the steps for properly draining the liquid, setting the correct level of oil, and disposing of the old oil.
Check all of your car’s fluids, such as the coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transition fluid. If any of these fluids leak, they can impede the proper functioning of your car. Keep an eye out for leaks and note the color of the liquid, as this can help you or a mechanic identify which fluid is leaking.
Clean your engine’s air filter, as debris clogging up your engine can cause it to run less efficiently. Finally, take your car to a mechanic every now and then for a check-up, especially if your check engine light comes on. A trained technician can identify the problem even if you cannot. Your mechanic can also test the brakes and the belts and hoses, and you can check your car’s lights and replace windshield wipers as necessary.
Now that you know how best to store, restore, and maintain your expensive, delicate, old classic car, you can enjoy owning such a precious thing. Once the restoration is complete, you will be the talk of the town with your flashy, perfectly restored, and maintained car, and you will know how to keep it in top condition, by storing it safely in your wood or brick garage. What a thrill!
